A Shetland Weekend with Gudrun Johnston and Jamieson Yarns
Join us November 2nd and 3rd for workshops with Gudrun Johnston and a Trunk Show featuring Jamieson’s of Shetland yarn. After knitting many of her patterns and fan-girling our hearts out, we are thrilled to welcome Gudrun to Starlight for the first time! Compliment your Sacred Sheep weekend by attending a very special talk on the traditions and techniques of Shetland and by learning some time-honored knitting techniques from one of the best.
The History and Traditions of Shetland: a presentation by Gudrun Jonston
Join Gudrun Johnston, the acclaimed Shetland-born knitwear designer as she takes you on an adventure to these remote islands in Scotland. Gudrun will share her passion for Shetland’s knitting heritage, the unique wool produced on the islands, and her personal journey in the world of knitwear design. Discover the fascinating stories behind the patterns and techniques that have been passed down through generations, and learn how Gudrun’s own designs pay homage to this storied tradition. This is perfect for anyone interested in the history and evolution of knitting, as well as those keen to gain a deeper understanding of Shetland’s influence on contemporary knitwear.
Fair Isle Taster Class
In this class we will dip our toes into the world of Fair Isle knitting! We will look at choosing colors, color dominance, stranding the yarn, speed swatching in the round and we will even do
some steeking (cutting into our knitting)! We will be working with a tried and true product, 100% Shetland yarn, traditionally used for Fair Isle knitting. This class is intended as an introduction to Shetland wool and its suitability to stranded knitting. You can be a beginner or seasoned colorwork knitter. Gudrun will also help you pick out shades of Jamieson's Shetland wool for your next stranded project!
Shetland Hap Class
Learn how to knit a traditional Hap (shawl) from the Shetland Islands. This beautiful heirloom shawl makes a great gift for a new baby and is a great introduction to Shetland Lace knitting. We will make a mini version of this shawl in class (as a half hap) and students will leave with the necessary skills to make their own full sized version at home. A copy of Gudrun’s Hap pattern, Hansel, will be provided via Ravelry code in class.
Jamieson’s of Shetland Yarn
We are thrilled to provide this unique opportunity to shop the colors of Jamieson’s of Shetland yarn. Jamieson’s of Shetland uses only Shetland wool, one of the softest and finest wools of any UK breed. Perfect for fine lace knitting, sturdy outerwear, and everything in between. Founded in the late 1800s, Jamieson's of Shetland has been in the wool business for over a century. They use traditional techniques passed down through generations with wool sourced from Shetland sheep. Each stage of yarn production is completed under one roof.
About
Gudrun
Gudrun was born in Shetland in the 70’s when her mother was running the successful knitwear design company, The Shetland Trader. Some 30 years later and now living in the U.S, Gudrun has followed in her mother’s footsteps by reviving the Shetland Trader name, and has made a name for herself in the knitwear design industry.
Gudrun often includes aspects of her Shetland heritage in her designs. She gets to return to her place of birth often as she runs textile related trips in Shetland along with fellow designer Mary Jane Mucklestone.
As Brand Director for Simply Shetland, Gudrun brings her designs aesthetic and know-how to one of fair-Isle knitter’s favorite yarns, Jamieson’s of Shetland.